DOPING DEBACLE?: U.S. Open semifinalist/feel-good story Yanina Wickmayer is reportedly in hot water for failing to report her whereabouts to anti-doping investigators three times over the past 18 months. The Belgian’s spokesman, Rudi Kuyl, called the situation a “misunderstanding,” but admitted that she will be questioned on Oct. 22.
JUST WONDERING: What was Alec Baldwin doing at Serena Williams‘ post-match press conference after her meltdown against Kim Clijsters in the USO semis?
PRESIDENTIAL PARDON: Chief Justice John Roberts took some flak for muffing the oath when swearing in Barack Obama as President of the United States. But it turns out President Obama isn’t perfect either when it comes to making speeches. When presenting pioneer Billie Jean King with the prestigious Medal of Freedom, the Commander-in-Chief botched the number of titles King had won. “To be honest, he wasn’t even in the ball park, but I thought it was adorable,” said the forgiving Hall of Famer.
THE NUMBERS
1.2 million: Views of one 54-second clip of Serena Williams‘ USO tirade on YouTube.
500,000: British pounds the Lawn Tennis Association reportedly spent on food for players, staff and visitors at its tennis center last year — five times more than the entire annual budget of the Lithuania Tennis Union, which will host Great Britain’s next Davis Cup tie.
11-27: Serb Novak Djokovic‘s combined record against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick.
$19.99: Will buy you a pair of shorts on Andy Roddick‘s official website emblazoned with “ANDY’ across the rear end.
QUOTEBOOK
“He’d better take care, or he’s going to end up playing the Washington Generals to the Harlem Globetrotters of the ATP Tour.” — Peter Bodo on Novak Djokovic
“[Serena] Williams‘ actions cannot be summarily swept under the carpet. Whether the lineswoman’s call was correct or not, she was there to arbitrate and did so honestly. Such language would not be tolerated in any sport and tennis has a responsibility to protect every official from grassroots up from such a verbal onslaught.” — Neil Harmann
